Aprilia RSV4 R gets tech goodies

Published: 12 May 2011

Aprilia RSV4 R

Aprilia RSV4 R

Aprilia RSV4 R

This is undoubtedly the year of the RSV4. Aprilia's cutting-edge V4-engined superbike had its ups and downs when it was launched in 2009 but now the rough edges are smoothed off and it's a class-leading diamond.

The all-singing, all-dancing £16,474 2011 RSV4 Factory APRC is already our superbike of the year, beating the BMW S1000RR. However, the new £14,124 RSV4 R ARPC tested here offers an incredible level of superbike performance, and technology for the money.

There are twp RSV4 models in this year's line-up: the base model 'R' and the more expensive 'Factory', which comes with extra goodies.

Both models have a new 2kg lighter exhaust and tweaks to the engine, gearbox (the first three ratios are closer) and fuel injection.